FIRE fighters have been tackling a blaze in a city block of flats this evening.

Four engines are battling the fire at Silverdale Road in Bannister Park in Southampton.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service say the fire began in a basement garage at 5.30pm.

Smoke had been seen billowing  up through the first and second floors of the striken block.

Daily Echo:

Station manager Glenn Bowyer, community safety officer with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The fire started in the garage. At first it was quite a developed fire.

"We sent four fire engines and a special equipment unit.

"The incident was made more complicated due to common void in the garages, which caused the smoke to spread.

"The fire was contained into one unit but smoke was allowed to travel along the adjoining units.

"No smoke or fire has affected the other flats.

"We urge people to be mindful there are a number of fire risks in garages. Think about if you are storing fuels or dangerous flammables."

He added there was no risk to life.